David Zonshein and the Courage to Refuse nominated for Nobel Peace Prize 2004

28/09/2004

The movement and its founder were recommended to the prize committee by two Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Captain (reserve) Zonesheine, chairman and founder of the movement: "Our nomination is a victory of Jewish Values and a triumph of the Spirit of Democracy."

"The movement's nomination for such an honorable prize is a decoration for state of Israel. We are all part of a none compromising struggle for Israel's security and the safety of its citizens, yet at the same time we vow to prevent the loss of innocent lives, to guard human rights and dignity of all those affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We will continue to protect the state of Israel, but refuse to fight beyond the 1967 borders, in the occupied territories" says Arik Diamant, the Director of Courage to Refuse. "Today the settlers of the extreme right threaten to violently resist the evacuation of the settlements. Our nomination marks the line that separates refusal to participate in illegal actions that contradict Jewish values and international law, from the refusal of those who seek to continue the occupation of another people".

Courage to Refuse was founded in January 2002 and prides today over 600 reserve soldiers and officers, including air force pilots and commando unit soldiers. Over 200 of the movement members have been imprisoned for their refusal to serve in the occupied territories. Since its establishment less than three years ago, Courage to Refuse has become a highly influential public movement, and is today a leading power in the struggle to end the occupation and secure a safe, democratic future for the state of Israel.

photo: three members of Courage to Refuse

The candidates for the Nobel peace prize must be nominated by agovernment official, a former Nobel Prize winner or by members of the prize committee. Courage to Refuse and David Zonshein were recommended by two Nobel Peace Prize winners:

- Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo

A bishop from East Timor that lead his people against the rule of Indonesia after they concurred East Timor in 1975. Belo fought while endangering his life while calling for a non- violent struggle and dialogue with Indonesia.

He won the Nobel peace prize in 1996

- Rigoberta Menchu Tum

Menchu lead the struggle against the oppressive regimen Guatemala and fought for the rights of the Indian farmers. Her family members was tortured and killed by the Guatemalan army and she herself was forced to exile.